Folklore & Wisdom
The oral traditions of Mithila are kept alive through tales of wit, humor, and ancient wisdom.
Gonu Jha: The Jester of Mithila
Gonu Jha was legendary for his sharp wit and humor. Often compared to Birbal or Tenali Rama, his stories are not just funny but carry deep social wisdom.
Sacred Legends
Ugna Mahadev (Shiva & Vidyapati)
The devotion of the poet Vidyapati was so pure that Lord Shiva himself came to serve him as a domestic help named 'Ugna'. When Vidyapati's wife mocked Ugna, the poet revealed his identity to stop her, but Shiva vanished, bound by the condition of secrecy. The 'Ugna Mahadev' temple in Bhawanipur marks this divine play.
The Redemption of Ahalya
At Ahilya Sthan (Darbhanga), it is believed that Ahalya, turned to stone by a curse, waited for aeons. She was liberated (Uddhar) by the touch of Lord Rama's feet while he was on his way to Janakpur.
Famous Tales
The Cat and the Milk
Once, Gonu Jha was asked to prove that not all cats love milk. He served hot boiling milk to a cat once. The cat burnt its tongue and never touched milk again. When the King saw the cat refusing milk, Gonu Jha remarked, 'See, habits are learned, not just born.'
The Thief and the Pond
Thieves entered Gonu Jha's house. Knowing this, he loudly told his wife, 'I have hidden all the gold in the pond.' The thieves spent the entire night draining the muddy pond water. By morning, they were exhausted and caught, while Gonu Jha slept soundly.
Legends of the Soil
Beyond the courts of kings, Mithila reveres the heroes of the common people. These legends symbolize justice, bravery, and the triumph of the marginalized.
Raja Salhesh
The patron deity of the Dusadh community and a symbol of power and justice. His legend involves his strength, his love for the flower-maiden Kusuma, and his divine status as a protector of Mithila.
Dina-Bhadri
The divine brothers worshipped by the Musahar community. They were brave warriors who fought against tyranny and protected their people, eventually revered as gods.
Lorik
A legendary hero known for his strength and romance. Monuments known as 'Lorik Nandan' pillars are attributed to his journey across the region.